Nine Georgia Deputies Fired Over Matthew Ajibade's Death
Nine Georgia sheriff deputies were fired in connection with the death of 22-year-old college student Matthew Ajibade in Savannah authorities announced on Friday (May 8).
According to CNN, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office publicly announced the decision following both an internal review and a probe by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, after Ajibade was found dead in a cell on New Year's Day. The findings were handed over to the county prosecutor, who is weighing possible criminal charges.
Two of the nine deputies who were fired had been on leave with pay.
Ajibade, who was from Nigeria, was arrested after police received a phone call about a "domestic disturbance." Officials reported that he injured three deputies while being booked into jail on domestic violence charges, battery and resisting arrest. He was found dead soon after he was placed in an isolation cell.
Ajibade's family has hired famed legal analyst, Mark O'Mara, who represented George Zimmerman in the death of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin.
The Sheriff's Office reports that the district attorney is currently still reviewing the case of Ajibade's death and will decide if criminal charges are deserved.
BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
(Photo: Family Handout)
